Booking Conditions

When reserving a trip with “On The Way Travels” via this website or any other means, you hereby agree to the terms outlined in this agreement, both on your own behalf and on behalf of any individuals listed in your booking. You also authorize us to provide services for all travelers. These terms and conditions constitute the complete understanding and agreement between you, the traveler (“you” or “your”), and “On The Way” regarding any bookings, reservations or transactions made with “On The Way.” By signing this Agreement, you also acknowledge your acceptance of our Code of Conduct, accessible through the following link (insert hyperlink).

All travelers must be at least 21 years old to travel with “On The Way Travels.”

1. Insurance Requirements

It is obligatory for all “On The Way Travels” travelers to provide evidence of international health insurance that covers the entire duration of the trip before the trip commences. This health insurance must encompass personal injury, medical treatment, repatriation, and evacuation expenses, including helicopter rescue and international air ambulance services. Additionally, we highly recommend travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage. In the event of an “On The Way Travels” trip being canceled, postponed, interrupted, or rescheduled for any reason, whether voluntarily by you or due to actions by On The Way Travels, trip cancellation insurance might be the only means to receive reimbursement for flights and other non-refundable expenses. It is your responsibility to comprehend the particulars of your travel insurance policy, ensuring it covers all optional and included activities listed in the trip itinerary, and verifying the absence of exclusion clauses (e.g., air delays due to mechanical issues) that could restrict the coverage you may reasonably require. It is your responsibility to confirm your insurance policy details with your insurance provider to ensure compliance with all “On The Way Travels” requirements. Please be aware that most travel insurance providers stipulate that the policy must be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit or payment to any service provider to cover pre-existing conditions or to offer “cancel for any reason” coverage.

2. Deposits, Payments, Refunds, and Cancellations

You may make bookings through our online booking system or via direct correspondence with us. To secure your booking, you must submit a non-refundable deposit of $300. We offer flexible payment plans in which the first payment is due at least 180 days (6 months)  prior to the trip departure and the final payment for the full balance is due no later than 60 days prior to the trip’s departure date. For bookings made within 60 days of the trip departure date, the entire trip cost must be paid upon booking confirmation and is non-refundable. Payments may be made via Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, or Square invoices (processing fee added). You are welcome to pay in monthly payments, in quarterly installments, or in full. Please review the applicable deposit and payment schedules thoroughly. Please note that a booking is considered accepted, and a contract is established between us only when we confirm your booking in writing. Once your deposit is received we will send confirmation of your booking via email. By paying your trip deposit you agree to the payment and cancellation terms at the time of booking.

Expenses not included in the trip rates and the sole responsibility of each traveler include airfare, health and travel insurance, passport acquisition costs, visa fees, excess baggage charges, gratuities/tips, personal items such as beverages, laundry, Covid-related expenses (whether mandatory or voluntary), such as testing and quarantine, communication (e.g., sim-cards, calls, faxes, emails), international airport departure taxes, and excursions or deviations from the trip itinerary. We shall not be liable for or responsible for deposits, payments, policies, or penalties associated with other services not included, such as airline tickets, separate hotel reservations, or any other items managed by you independently and not through us.

Credit/Debit Card Charge Authorization for Final Deposit:

In the event we do not receive payment by the specified due date, including final payments, we retain the right to charge the credit card on file for the outstanding amount. If the payment fails, we may, at our discretion, consider the missed payment as a breach of the contract, leading to the cancellation of your reservation. In such cases, the cancellation fees outlined in this agreement will be applicable. Furthermore, we reserve the right to assign your spot to the next eligible traveler on the waitlist without any refund to you.

Credit/Debit Card Chargeback Policy:

We strive to ensure our customers’ satisfaction. If you are dissatisfied with our services for any reason, you agree not to initiate a chargeback with your credit or debit card provider, either directly or through a third party, without first providing us with an opportunity to address the issue. By signing this agreement, you commit to working with us on your behalf in good faith to resolve any disputes. You acknowledge that chargebacks are not an appropriate means to circumvent our cancellation and refund policies. We will vigorously contest any chargeback requests and present this agreement as evidence of your agreement to our cancellation and refund terms. We also reserve the right to report fraudulent chargebacks to the relevant authorities. If we prevail in a chargeback dispute initiated by you, you agree to reimburse us for attorney’s fees, time, costs, and expenses incurred in countering the chargeback, as well as any damages we may incur as a result of the dispute.

Cancellations by You and Unused Services:

Any cancellations made by you will result in the forfeiture of your deposit and outlined cancellation fees, if applicable. There are no exceptions to this refund policy.  Depending on the time of your cancellation, you may be eligible for some refunds for other payments made. Consequently, we strongly recommend that every traveler within your group has comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation/interruption coverage to safeguard your financial investment in the trip. Below, you will find additional information about our cancellation policy, which we encourage you to review carefully.

If your trip is subject to special cancellation and refund terms, those terms will be detailed in your provided itinerary. Special cancellation and refund terms may be applicable due to Force Majeure circumstances (e.g., a pandemic like the coronavirus) or due to specific deposit and cancellation requirements from our suppliers.

In the event you choose to cancel your trip, the following fees apply and are due upon our receipt of your cancellation notice, unless otherwise indicated in the Special Conditions or on our website’s itinerary page for a specific trip:

All deposits are non-refundable. However, the following refunds are available depending on your cancellation timeline prior to your trip departure.

1. Cancelation 6 months or more before trip departure results in a refund of 75% of the already paid balance 
2. Cancelation 3-6  months or less before the trip departure results in a 50% refund of the already paid balance
3. 0 to 60 days before departure: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable.

If you do not settle the balance of your trip 60 days or more before the departure date, we will consider your booking canceled by you, resulting in the loss of your entire deposit and all payments made by you.

Form of Payment:

All payments must be made via our booking platform or Venmo, Zelle, Paypal, and Square invoices (processing fee added) with prices denominated in US dollars. Payment is required in US dollars.

Cancellation Process:

To cancel your booking, you must send a written notice via email to [email protected]. Cancellation terms and refunds will be assessed per person according to the schedule outlined in this section, based on the date we receive your written notification, not the date of your email.

Unused Portion of Trip (no refunds):

No refunds will be issued for unused services, early departures, late arrivals, or missed days of your itinerary, regardless of the reason. Once the tour has commenced, no refunds will be granted. Choosing not to participate in the tour due to government advisories, travel fears, or similar concerns will be treated as a cancellation. Please note that if a disruption caused by Covid-19 prevents you from taking your trip, we will strive to offer flexibility for rescheduling your trip to a later date, though our cancellation policy remains applicable should you choose to cancel. Our flexibility will be subject to our suppliers’ policies and practices, which we do not control.

No refunds will be provided for any unused portion of your tour, including situations such as quarantine, government travel restrictions, or supplier refusal of services due to illness symptoms or positive test results. Additionally, we will not be held liable for any illness, disease, or sickness contracted during your tour, nor for third-party refusals of services (e.g., lodging or transport) due to illness symptoms. For instance, we shall not assume liability if you contract a virus like coronavirus at a hotel booked through us or if you are denied service at a hotel due to symptoms of a contagious illness. Likewise, if you are unable to board a plane to or from your destination due to illness symptoms or self-quarantine requirements, we will not be held responsible for any resulting expenses or inconveniences.

There are no exceptions to this cancellation and refund policy, even in cases involving adverse weather, civil unrest, personal, family, or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. Therefore, we strongly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

3. Changes by You Prior to Trip Departure

Requests for changes to our itineraries can be disruptive. If you wish to alter your trip dates or modify your itinerary after we have confirmed your booking but before the scheduled departure date, we will assess the feasibility of accommodating your request without causing disruption to the trip or its economics. If we can make such changes, a change fee may be applied (please note that no change fee applies for transfers to replacement trips, as described in the preceding section). The specific amount of the change fee depends on the nature and extent of the requested changes, and these fees can be significant. Our external suppliers, including hotels, often impose additional fees or penalties for changes and cancellations. Significant change requests, such as altering tour dates, will result in the recalculation of your original tour price. All change requests must be submitted in writing.

The acceptance of a change request is solely at our discretion.

If you decide not to participate in a program, whether due to government warnings or advisories, travel concerns, health-related fears, or any other reason, it will be regarded as a cancellation initiated by you. In the event that you need to cancel the program because you have contracted Covid-19 (including all variants directly related to the SARS-COV-2 novel coronavirus, hereinafter referred to as “Covid-19”), tested positive for Covid-19, or have been in close proximity to someone who tested positive for Covid-19 within fourteen days prior to the trip’s departure, which prevents your participation in the program, On The Way will make every effort to facilitate the rescheduling of your trip to a later date. However, if you are unable to reschedule under such circumstances, the cancellation policy outlined herein will remain applicable.

4. Alterations or Cancellation by You After Commencement of Travel

Change or Cancellation Request

Requests to modify our itineraries must be submitted in writing and may result in additional fees. To request a change to your booking, you must send a written notice to us via email at [email protected]. Any changes that we can accommodate will be subject to change fees per person, as outlined in these Program Terms & Conditions. The date on which we receive your written notification will determine the applicable change fees.

Upon receipt of your change request, On The Way Travels will relay any requested alterations made after the commencement of your program to our independent suppliers. You will be responsible for any cancellation charges and/or change fees imposed for the booking of revised arrangements, as well as all associated costs related to such modifications. You acknowledge and agree that it is at the sole discretion of On The Way Travels whether to accept a change request.

You also acknowledge and agree that any changes to your booking or cancellations of services at any time, before or during the trip, may result in the forfeiture of all funds collected from you, as otherwise described in this agreement. Hence, we strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including trip cancellation/interruption coverage, to safeguard your financial investment in the trip (refer to Section 1 for mandatory insurance requirements).

Unused Services

For General Reasons: No refunds will be issued for services that go unused or for any part of the trip that remains unused, including early departures, late arrivals, involuntary removal from the program, or missed days on your itinerary, regardless of the cause.

Due to Illness: You will not receive refunds for any unused portion of your trip in cases where you are quarantined, or if a supplier refuses services due to your display of symptoms or a positive test result for an infectious disease. Additionally, we assume no liability towards you, and we are not obligated to provide refunds or compensation for losses, damages, injuries, or any other matters in cases where you contract an illness, disease, or sickness during the Program or if a third party denies services (e.g., accommodation or transportation) due to your symptoms or positive test for an infectious disease. This includes, but is not limited to, situations where you may become infected with a virus like coronavirus at a hotel booked through us, be denied service at a hotel due to symptoms of a communicable illness such as cough or fever, be unable to board a plane to your destination or return home due to illness symptoms, or be required to self-quarantine, among other scenarios.

5. Cancellations or Changes by Us and Flexibility

We reserve the right to cancel, adjust, or modify any trip without prior notice for various reasons, including, but not limited to, ensuring the safety and comfort of our clients and circumstances of Force Majeure, as defined in this agreement below. This includes the right to substitute guides and accommodations mentioned in trip materials, alter the sequence of planned destinations, reschedule, postpone, or delay the trip, and make other modifications to the itinerary. Please be aware that factors such as local conditions or unforeseen events, such as mechanical issues, flight cancellations, illnesses, labor disputes, weather conditions, border crossing issues, and other unforeseeable circumstances, may necessitate changes to amenities, accommodations, transportation, routes, schedules, and itineraries without prior notice. 

On The Way Travels shall not be considered in breach of these terms and conditions or liable to you due to delays or non-performance of its obligations resulting from actions taken or not taken under this section and this Agreement.

In the event of trip cancellation due to insufficient enrollment, for reasons not related to Force Majeure, all trip participants will receive a minimum 60-day notice before the trip’s departure. You will have the option to either receive a refund of payments made to On The Way Travels, excluding any unrecoverable costs incurred by On The Way Travels, or transfer to a comparably priced replacement trip without penalty. Any changes may necessitate an additional payment from you or result in a partial or full refund. While supplemental payments are uncommon, they may arise due to unforeseen events (e.g., government fee increases). Accepting a refund under this section will constitute a full settlement of any claims you may have arising from our cancellation.

In cases where On The Way Travels is compelled to reschedule, significantly modify, postpone, or cancel your trip for reasons entirely within our control, whether prior to or during your trip, we will inform you at the earliest opportunity. In such situations, we may offer one or more of the following options at our discretion:

1. Accept On The Way Travels offer of a comparable replacement trip (subject to availability),
2. Receive a refund of all monies paid to On The Way Travels, minus the non-refundable deposit, that can be transferred to any other trip of ours, any unrecoverable costs, including but not limited to deposits made to our suppliers, and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in arranging your trip, or
3. Any other reasonable option that we, in our sole discretion, deem appropriate.

When accepting an offer for a replacement trip:

1. If the cost is lower than that of your original trip, you will receive a refund for the difference.
2. If the cost of the replacement trip is equal to or higher than your original trip, you will be responsible for covering the price difference between the two trips.

6. Denial of Participation

On The Way Travels retains the authority to refuse participation in the trip to any Traveler if, in the sole discretion of On The Way Travels, they are deemed unable to meet the demands and prerequisites of the trip activities, violate these terms, including our Code of Conduct, or exhibit behavior or conduct that is unsuitable for group travel. While on the trip, On the Way Travesl also holds the sole discretion to dismiss any individual whom it determines to be detracting from the enjoyment of the trip for others. The decision made by the guide, host, or local supplier is conclusive in all matters that may jeopardize safety or disrupt the well-being of others. Any expenses incurred as a result of being removed from a trip or being denied participation in a trip are the responsibility of the individual involved.

7. Force Majeure

Force Majeure: On The Way Travels shall not be considered in breach of this agreement or held liable to you for any delay in performance or non-performance of its obligations under this agreement, to the extent that such delay or non-performance is attributable to Force Majeure. “Force Majeure” refers to any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, terrorist activities, insurrection, explosions, floods, tempests, forceful winds, typhoons, fires, accidents, wars (declared or undeclared), or threats of war, sabotage, civil disturbances, labor strikes, requisitions, sickness, quarantines, pandemics, epidemics, diseases, and viruses, whether known, unknown, or novel, such as coronavirus/Covid-19 (including its spread), foodborne, airborne, and communicable illnesses and diseases, government interventions affecting domestic and/or international travel, government restrictions or warnings, diplomatic or health organization (e.g., World Health Organization) advisories, border closures, adverse weather conditions, and unforeseen events.

In the unlikely event that Force Majeure prevents, significantly hinders, or renders impossible for us or our suppliers to provide services, including but not limited to your tour, we and/or our suppliers may, at our sole and absolute discretion, take one or more of the following actions: cancel, adjust, modify, postpone, or reschedule any tour itinerary or arrangement, including tour dates and the entire tour itself. You acknowledge and agree that we will not be liable to compensate you for any costs or expenses you may incur as a result of Force Majeure. We regret that no refunds will be provided in the event we take any of the aforementioned actions due to Force Majeure, unless we are able to obtain refunds from our suppliers. Please note that we are not obligated to seek refunds from suppliers, and in many cases, obtaining refunds from suppliers after deposits have been forwarded for your tour is not feasible. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance due to these factors. If you choose to cancel your tour when we invoke Force Majeure, our standard cancellation penalties (as outlined in the section titled “Cancellation By You and Unused Services” above) will apply unless we state otherwise.

In the event that On The Way Travels is affected by Force Majeure, we will make reasonable efforts to inform you of the nature and extent of the situation, if practicable.

8. Optional Activities

Throughout any On The Way Travels trip, you may have the opportunity to engage in activities or local events that are not part of On The Way Travels standard trip package. On The Way Travels does not provide assurances regarding the safety or quality of these activities and events, or the standards upheld by the independent operators who manage them. These activities may encompass, but are not limited to, trips using vehicles, boats, or aircraft, guided or self-guided walks, surfing, fishing, hiking, swimming, zip-lining, and parasailing. Events may encompass, but are not limited to, local festivals, concerts, and organized gatherings. You acknowledge and agree that any assistance provided by On The Way Travels trip leader or staff to facilitate these optional activities is extended in good faith and without any representations or warranties of any kind. On The Way Travels neither sponsors nor endorses these activities or events, and cannot be held responsible for any injuries or illnesses resulting from your participation. If you choose to partake in these activities or events, you do so willingly and should take appropriate precautions to ensure your safety. Additionally, you are responsible for making payment arrangements directly with the supplier or independent operators offering such activities, events, or services.

9. Discounts and Promotions

All discounts and reduced pricing are offered and or applied at On The Way Travel’s sole discretion. From time to time,On the Way Travelsl may offer reduced pricing on selected trips. The reduced pricing applies strictly to new bookings only. Bookings for which the Traveler has already paid a deposit are locked into their original price and are not entitled to the reduced pricing.

10. Pre-Departure Documentation

Review all trip-related documents received from us promptly upon receipt. It is your responsibility to notify us of any inaccuracies within 30 days of receiving these documents. Failure to do so releases us from any errors in documentation. This agreement, our liability waiver, and any required medical statement or certification must be signed and submitted by you before traveling with us. Failure to provide these signed documents prior to departure may result in the cancellation of your booking by us, subject to the cancellation fees outlined in this agreement.

11. Passports and Visas

Ensure that all necessary travel documents are valid and in your possession throughout the trip. Most destinations require passports valid for at least another 6 months. Verify entry requirements with the relevant consulate or embassy. You are responsible for verifying and meeting all travel requirements, including vaccinations, visa requirements, and adhering to safety and security conditions at your destinations. On The Way Travels is not responsible for delays, changes, or cancellation costs due to incorrect or expired traveler documents. If you must cancel, delay, or reschedule your trip due to document issues, you are responsible for associated costs.

12. Health and Medical

You and any accompanying individuals must not have any physical or mental conditions that endanger you, others, or impact the trip’s enjoyment. Inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions when booking, and we may require a medical certificate. 

On The Way Travels enforces a drug-free policy and encourages responsible alcohol consumption. We reserve the right to deny participation or terminate trips for illegal drug, alcohol, or substance use.

13. Baggage

You can bring one piece of baggage up to 40 lbs and one medium/small-sized daypack on the trip. Additional baggage requests must be approved by On The Way Travels. You are responsible for securing and protecting your belongings throughout the trip.

14. Photography and Images Release

Media Creators own rights to images created during the trip. You may use them for personal, non-commercial purposes, crediting the creator. On The Way Travels, your host, or the trip photographer will capture images for the album every member will receive after the trip, granting us a perpetual, royalty-free license to use them for promotional purposes. We will not sell or license these images for commercial use without your consent. In case you want to avoid your person appearing in public photos, please communicate that directly with us.

15. Complaints and Claims

Report issues during your trip promptly. Claims, complaints, or reimbursement requests must be submitted via email within 30 days after trip completion, with supporting documentation.

16. Limits on Responsibility

On The Way Travels is not responsible for external services such as flights, accommodations, or services booked externally. We may not alter itineraries or delay trip commencement for any reason preventing you from joining as planned.

17. Travel Advisories & Warnings

Conduct research on your trip’s destinations, including travel advisories and warnings issued by government authorities. You are responsible for vaccinations, medication, and your well-being during and after the trip.

18. Personal Responsibility

Choose a trip that matches your comfort and fitness level. Our trips involve personal risk due to their adventurous nature.

19. Seat Belt Policy

For safety, always remain seated and wear seatbelts while vehicles are in motion, if available. You are responsible for proper seat belt use.

20. Limitation of Remedies

Our sole remedy for defaults under this agreement is a refund of the trip cost, per applicable law. We are not liable for consequential damages.

21. Validity of Electronic Signature

Electronic signatures are accepted. You can withdraw your electronic consent by emailing us.

22. UPDATING OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS

We may amend these Terms and recommend checking the latest version on our website before travel.

23. Merger

This agreement is the final and complete agreement, superseding all previous negotiations and agreements.